Many couples are shocked when they learn that the average wedding costs between $15,000 and $25,000. But, you really can save hundreds even thousands if you use good organizational skills, ingenuity, flexibility, and enlist the help of friends and family.
Today, about 70% of the marrying couples pay for their own weddings, so setting a realistic budget and sticking to it is essential if you are to keep the cost of your wedding within your budget. Let’s get creative and examine your options.
Research the Internet
Search the Internet thoroughly to save time and money. Websites like STL Weddings provide links to wedding related businesses which might be your answer to quality products and services. Brides can compare and save by searching and comparing local vendors. You can also save money by making purchases online, so be sure to do your homework. Sites like Amazon.com and Ebay could help you save hundreds.
Set your priorities and your budget
As you begin to think about your wedding, pull out a sheet of paper and write down these three column headings:
Must have
Optional
Nice to have
Base your decisions on availability, budget and ingenuity
Once you decide what your priorities are, use your creativity. For example, involve yourself, your friends and your family in the preparations. Loved ones will appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your happy day, and they will have fun and save you money.
Choose vendors and service providers who can assure your priorities will be met. Be firm when you negotiate with vendors and service providers. Stick to what you want and stick to your budget. Do not let them talk you into anything you didn’t budget for or don’t want. By the same token, be flexible enough to spend more or substitute, if you cannot find exactly what you considered to be a priority within your budget.
Be sure you are familiar with all changes, return and/or cancellation policies before you sign any contract or finalize any arrangement. Having to buy something twice, or having to pay additional fees for changes can and will add up. Always keep documentation of every contract and receipt in a safe place and pay special attention to deadlines for returning items.
Always comparison shop, and start early because you can save a lot of money if you shop bargains, clearance sales, and online stores. Do not get confused between inexpensive and cheap. Before you buy any reduced priced items, check to make sure they are not inferior quality because most of time you will not be able to return or exchange them.
Bridal Consultants and Wedding Professionals
Professionals can save you time and money, but remember to base your decision on your budget. Engage a wedding consultant to help you with tasks as small as locating trusted vendors and service providers, or tasks as large as organizing your entire wedding event. The more you do yourself, the more money you save. In St. Louis, you can research St Louis weddings on sites like this one.
Save Money on Invitations
If you are willing to depart from traditional printed invitations, you may be able to save a lot of money. The big trend in wedding invitations is creating your own. You can create your own invitation on your computer and print it on specialty wedding paper. Head to your nearest Office Max or Office Depot for a nice selection of specialty papers.
You could also e-mail your friends and family an invitation to a private wedding site where they can get an official invitation, as well as directions and registry information.
Save Money on Wedding Attire
Wedding gowns are very expensive but there are many options you may exercise to get what you want and save money. Do you have a friend or a family member who sews? Engage them and in return give them the honor of serving as an attendant in your wedding party.
If you decide to purchase a wedding gown, go to department stores and check their sale area before you decide to have one custom made. Occasionally they have wedding gowns on clearance and you can buy one at a fraction of its original price and save a ton of money. Another option is buying a sample gown which was used in a fashion show or display.
If you still cannot find that special gown, and you need to purchase one, consider a simple gown off the rack, or comb the wedding ads and auction sites on and off the web. You’ll probably be able to buy a gown that was used only once or even a brand new one for next to nothing.
To save even more, you may consider a white prom or a bridesmaid dress. To find the styles that work best with your body type and to learn more about today’s most fabulous wedding gown designers, check out Bridal Gown Designers. The site contains gown designer information, web listings, and access to exclusive online discounts.
Save on Tuxedos
Rent the groom’s tuxedo, shoes and accessories and be sure to select all of the groomsmen’s tuxedos at the same time. Many rental places will furnish the groom’s attire for free if all the men from the wedding party will rent at the same time as one package. Its customary for groomsmen to pay for their own rental unless the wedding is in a far away place and the groomsman must do extensive travel.
Save on Wedding Flowers
You can save money on your flower arrangements if you are willing to be original and creative. If any of your guests create flower arrangements, even as a hobby, ask them to do them. If not, you’ll need to purchase the bridal bouquet and flowers for the altar from a reputable florist.
Think about giving the bridesmaids mixed seasonal flowers (sometimes you can find these in supermarkets). These flowers can later be put in vases and can serve as centerpieces for the reception tables. Your bridesmaids may not be able to keep the flowers forever, but they will remember your wedding every time they see the vase. Plus, you’ll save money.
Save on the Reception Meal
The reception is the most expensive part of your wedding, but its possible to have a memorable reception and stay within budget.
You must be very particular when choosing the reception venue. It must be appropriate and fit your reception plan. It does not have to be a traditional hall. Consider a historical home, a park, a museum, fairgrounds, even public gardens.
You also need to know if the reception site will supply you with furniture and dining needs. If not, you must calculate rental fees. Want to save even more money? Consider a slow period, Friday evening, or Sunday afternoon. You’ll be able to negotiate the better deals.
If you invite some good cooks to your wedding, you may ask to them prepare their favorite recipes for your wedding reception. Also, if you invite some good bakers, ask if they could prepare sweets and desserts or maybe even your wedding cake. You’ll save money and they will feel honored for being asked.
If you have your reception catered, you must consider the number of guests, the time of day and how the food will be served. Will it be refreshments only? Dessert only? Light snack? Sit-down? Buffet? Will you serve alcohol? Will it be open bar?
There is an enormous price difference between a light brunch and a five course dinner. Try having a brunch or an early lunch and you can serve fruit and vegetables, salads, eggs, cheeses, pastries, coffee, tea and cold drinks buffet style. Try having a late lunch and you’ll only need to add a few meats and poultry.
Save on Wedding Photography
Compare prices and references before hiring a photographer. Choose the very best photographer within your budget. When weighing the value in predetermined packages, always go for quality over quantity.
Save Money on your Wedding
Use your creativity and stick to your wedding budget plan – then shop smart and negotiate rates – you’re sure to save hundreds if not thousands if you stick to your guns. When its all said and done, use the money you save on an all-inclusive honeymoon so you can relax and enjoy your first week together as a married couple.
- Wedding Budget Tips
- Wedding Flowers FAQs
- Who Pays for the Wedding?
- DIY Wedding Catering
- Wedding Invitation Postage
